Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has reported that two Canadian citizens are unaccounted for following a tragic incident involving a popular Lisbon streetcar that resulted in the loss of 16 lives and left 21 individuals injured, with five in critical condition. GAC expressed its deepest sympathies to all those impacted and stated that it is collaborating with local authorities in response to the situation.
Portuguese authorities have been actively investigating the causes of the crash, with Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas emphasizing the urgent need for answers during the country’s national day of mourning. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro confirmed that the police, public prosecutors, government transport experts, and the streetcar service operator, Carris, are all conducting separate investigations into the incident.
The victims of the tragedy, all adults according to Margarida Castro Martins from Lisbon’s Civil Protection Agency, include individuals from various nationalities, such as Germans, Spaniards, French, Italians, Swiss, Canadians, Moroccans, South Koreans, and Cape Verdeans, underscoring the international appeal of the renowned streetcar among tourists visiting the Portuguese capital.
The streetcar, known as Elevador da Gloria, suffered severe damage in the accident, described by witnesses as a devastating collision with a building that caused the vehicle to disintegrate. Reports suggest that the streetcar lost control while descending a steep hill, leading to the tragic incident during the early evening rush hour.
The Gloria line, a historic funicular route in operation since 1885, connects Lisbon’s bustling downtown area to the vibrant Bairro Alto district, attracting millions of passengers annually, both locals and tourists alike. The service, operated by Carris, remains a popular mode of transport in the city, known for its picturesque views and historical significance.